New Renault Clio is a breath of fresh air in a segment dominated by Polo

You had better be good if you were going up against the Volkswagen Polo. And the French automaker has essentially done that with the new Renault Clio. Despite crossovers and smaller SUV-type cars flexing their biceps, hatchbacks continue to be a popular choice among customers. The Renault Clio has been around for a while and at one point was playing around in the top three of the sales charts.
I think the larger rear design of the new Clio, which complements the front's higher radiator grill and C-shaped LED daytime running lights, gives it a more modern and refreshing appearance.
It stands tall on 17-inch alloys giving it a sporty look. Inside it has been spruced up nicely and boasts a fully digital cluster, something not often seen in this segment although in Sport mode you can only see the rev-counter.
Personally, I still like old school but it does give the cabin a premium feel to go with the smaller leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, chrome inserts, soft touch surfaces and 9.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. It’s easy to use and has a decent resolution.
A brand-new, three-cylinder, 1.0-liter turbocharged engine with 74kW and 160Nm of torque has been installed under the hood and is mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Gear changes are smooth and simple with a light clutch, but I do wonder whether a second gear, which would have kept the rpm lower at highway speeds, could have increased the quoted fuel consumption of 5.7 liters.
With three teens and their backpacks loaded in the rear, there was a lot of gear change and the thrum of three pod motors, which we are accustomed to by this point.
Although the engine doesn't hate revving, it is simple to make quick modifications to pass slower traffic.
As you shift through the gearbox and maintain the engine in the sweet spot, the chassis and suspension have been improved to provide better road-holding and a sportier driving. While the seats are cozy and offer support where it is needed, there is little body roll.
Although there are unfortunately no performance Clios in the area, the steering is relatively mild considering that this car is more suited for daily commuting.
Overall, though, it's a joyful and interesting experience for a small hatchback that seems to want to satisfy whoever is driving it, whether they are cruising through suburbia or out on the open road.
The Renault Smart key card and the stalk radio controls, which are behind the steering wheel, will take you some time to figure out without taking your eyes off the road, are two quirks, in typical French way.
Verdict
The Renault Clio is a breath of fresh air in the sector in a market where competitors are scrambling to win over buyers. With updated styling, an engaging drive, and respectable safety and technological features, the Clio is deserving of a competitive spot on the sales charts.

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